Iran agrees to nuclear inspections
The move was seen as an apparent attempt by the Tehran government to prevent its nuclear programme from coming to a sanctions vote in the United Nations Security Council.
"If the issue is returned to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), we will be ready to allow intrusive inspections," Mohammed Saeedi, Iran's deputy nuclear chief, told state-run TV.
Mohamed ElBaradei, the IAEA chief, confirmed last Friday that Iran has produced enriched uranium and has defied a UN Security Council deadline to halt activities related to uranium enrichment.
The IAEA report brought swift reactions from nations concerned with Iran's nuclear development.
US President George Bush said the world was concerned about Iran's "desire to have not only a nuclear weapon but the capacity to make a nuclear weapon".
Bush added he was not discouraged by Iran's vow to defy world pressure, saying: "I think the diplomatic options are just beginning."
US Ambassador John Bolton took a tough line, saying "the IAEA report shows that Iran has accelerated its efforts to acquire nuclear weapons although, of course, the report doesn't make any conclusions in that regard.
"We're ready to proceed; we're ready to move expeditiously," Bolton added. "And what comes after that is largely in Iran's hands."
Iran barred intrusive inspections of its nuclear facilities in February after it was referred to the UN Security Council over its nuclear activities that several Western countries suspect are aimed at producing nuclear warheads.
Tehran denies the accusations, saying its programme is only for peaceful purposes.
